BLOOMFIELD — Get ready for the Total Solar Eclipse experience. As the excitement builds for this rare celestial event, the Greene County Health Department wants to ensure everyone stays safe and ready. Our towns and cities are gearing up for an unforgettable weekend, kicking off on Friday, April 5th, until the big day on Monday, April 8th — the eclipse day itself.
Alongside the festivities for our locals, we are expecting a surge of visitors flocking to witness this extraordinary sight. It is essential to prepare for the crowds and possible resource limitations. Let’s ensure we are all set to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime event safely.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS FOR THE COMMUNITY:
- Prepare for Traffic and Lines: Anticipate heavy traffic and longer wait times at local services.
- Adjust Appointments: Consider rescheduling non-essential/non-emergent appointments over the weekend and on Monday.
- Stock Up: Purchase groceries and fill up your gas tank beforehand.
- Medication Readiness: Remember to pick up any prescriptions or medications before the weekend, or you may not be able to get them.
- Communication Plans: With increased visitors possibly straining our cell phone towers and internet connections, we have a communication plan with family and friends. Coordinate where you will be and plan extra travel time in case of interruptions in cell service. Have open conversations with family and friends about eclipse plans to ensure everyone is prepared and on the same page.
- Cash is King: Keep cash on hand for transactions, especially if internet access is limited or card readers are down.
- School Plans: Remember that schools have set up eLearning for Monday. Have paper worksheets, games, and other activities ready to keep our school-aged kids engaged in case of internet outages.
- Emergency Preparedness: Expect potential delays in response times from emergency services.
COMMUNITY-FRIENDLY TIPS FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES DURING THE ECLIPSE:
- Hospitality Ready: If you are in the food or hospitality industry, consider having an entire staff and bringing in extra help to accommodate the influx of visitors.
- Cash is Key: Since card readers may be slow or not working, make sure to have cash on hand for transactions.
- Parking and Property Prep: Even if you are not around, have a plan for managing your parking lot or property. Create eclipse-friendly signs and designate parking for employees only to ensure smooth operations.
- Keep It Clean: Help keep our community clean by providing trash receptacles around your business to prevent littering.
- Logistical Awareness: Ensure your employees know the weekend’s potential logistical and traffic challenges. Consider flexible hours or remote work options to avoid travel during the eclipse interval.
- Delivery/Appointment Planning: Avoid scheduling routine deliveries or appointments during the eclipse weekend. Arrange deliveries before or after the event to minimize disruptions.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe: If feasible, encourage working from home during the eclipse weekend. Essential workers should plan for parking and travel challenges and consider packing an overnight bag in case of traffic jams.
Enroll in Greene County Reverse 911 to be informed of severe weather situations: https://gcema.ddns.net/signup
HELPFUL TIPS FOR TEMPORARY CAMPSITES AND PARKING LOTS:
- Security Considerations: If you renting out a large parking area, consider hiring a private security company to assist with parking management and traffic flow.
- Trash and Waste Management: Have a plan for handling trash and waste. For temporary campsites or large parking areas, consider renting porta-potties and providing trash receptacles to prevent littering.
- RV Services: Provide RV patrons with information on wastewater disposal options. The Greene County Health Department’s website has wastewater disposal locations open to the public and IDEM-approved local pumps and haulers.
Sanitation and Safety Guidance: Temporary campsite managers, visit the Greene County Health Department’s 2024 Total Solar Eclipse webpage at co.greene.in.us/health for IDOH Temporary Campground Sanitation and Safety Guidance or contact us at 812-384-4496.
On Monday, April 8th, a partial eclipse will begin at 1:48 p.m., total eclipse between 3:04 p.m. until 3:08 p.m. and partial ending at 4:21 p.m.
Eclipse Glasses and Eye Protection:
- Protect Your Eyes: Remember, never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. Always use ISO-Certified 12312-2:2015 eclipse glasses when viewing the eclipse. It is okay to share eclipse glasses if you are not staring at the sun the entire time.
- Sunglasses Aren’t Enough: Regular sunglasses will not protect your eyes sufficiently. For more information on safely viewing the total solar eclipse, please visit: https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/safety/
- Where to Get Glasses: You can find official eclipse glasses at the Greene County Health Department (217 E Spring Street, Bloomfield, IN 47424) while supplies last. Visit our 2024 Total Solar Eclipse webpage at co.greene.in.us/health for tips on making solar viewers and a family safety checklist.
Let’s all work together to ensure a smooth, safe, and enjoyable experience for everyone during this incredible celestial event.
